What Is: a Hair Drop
Before riding into battle or out on the hunt, or for ceremonies and special occasions, Plains warriors took care to dress themselves in their best regalia. While some adornments had a personal significance, or may have had military meaning, other items were religious in nature. One item that was both adornment and religious was a hair drop.
A hair drop was, as its name suggests, an ornament made of hair, be it horsehair or human hair. It was not, as some people believe, from the scalp lock of an enemy. The hair would be braided or tied with other ornaments such as feathers, quills, beads, links of silver, sometimes even the tail of a buffalo. Some hair drops could be over 2 feet long. The ornament was then tied into a man's hair and worn down the side. It was a valued personal item, and sometimes viewed as a talisman to bringing good luck or invulnerability in battle. Some hair drops have become collector's items today.
A hair drop was, as its name suggests, an ornament made of hair, be it horsehair or human hair. It was not, as some people believe, from the scalp lock of an enemy. The hair would be braided or tied with other ornaments such as feathers, quills, beads, links of silver, sometimes even the tail of a buffalo. Some hair drops could be over 2 feet long. The ornament was then tied into a man's hair and worn down the side. It was a valued personal item, and sometimes viewed as a talisman to bringing good luck or invulnerability in battle. Some hair drops have become collector's items today.
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